Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Road to discovery July 16, 2023

By (Economics, Pomona College) - abroad from 01/24/2023 to 05/08/2023 with

SIT Study Abroad: Switzerland - Banking, Finance, and Social Responsibility

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself from this experience abroad. - I learned more about the different financial institutions and structures. I learned more about Corporate Social Responsibility. I learned more about sustainability and how the UN is working toward its goals along with different institutions. - Growing up, I was not too exposed to the nature and activities related to that. In Switzerland, there are so many opportunities to explore not only the places that are party focused, but also the places where your mind, body, and soul could all come into a symbiosis. I constantly was in awe about the things that I saw, and (that may sound cliche, but truly !) started feeling a little more recognizant of my role as a steward of the earth in protecting these riches given to us by nature. - I did an internship in Switzerland, and the internship I did there was a testament of how different people in other countries view work and life balance: there physically going to eat daily with your coworkers or managers was a ritual more than it was a luxury. I have always found myself eating in front of my computer during lunch. It put into perspective the value of relationships at work. - I was faced with making very harsh decisions for myself, and I am proud to say that though they were difficult having been abroad in an environment that was completely unknown, but still being able to figure life out was a testament to myself that the sky is truly the limit and staying in your comfort zone is never going to make you grow to your highest limit.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program academic rigor is not overly demanding. However, with every activities, excursions, orientations that students have, being overly demanding would have made one not enjoy the cultural aspect of it. It's enough to make one think critically and being exposed to new information to assimilate while still being able to take care of oneself and do things around the country. The program is resourceful as long as you know what you want; they will be able to direct you to the best academic resources, the best person to contact in case of any problems, or simple give you guidance about qualms concerning future career prospectives.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved all the administration personnel of the program. They ensure that we were safe and well, they made sure to make us feel comfortable, and they were friendly as well. At no point on the program did I feel as though I could not ask them a question nor explain a concern that I had regarding the program or myself in relation to the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did have an incident and was not placed with the right fit during my first homestay. However, I was very transparent from the start to the administration about how I felt, what was going on, and would make sure to also have a conversation with the person with whom I was living , so that when came the decision for me to leave the place. It was smooth, and I had a better match. I absolutely loved my second homestay !

* Food:

The food was just like anywhere else in the world. There are different types of restaurants and fast-food if you are not into Swiss food. My host mom made international meals, so I ate really well at home for dinners. No complaints there. Now, in regard to the money that the program gives us. To be honest, I didn't think it was enough for the meals. I ended up having to spend my money. (they were not lavish meals). Be prepared for that.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Geneva is really international, so at no point did I feel as though I needed to change the way that I am to be accepted into society nor did I feel like I observed too much of a difference from where I live in the state.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

I have never felt this safe in the U.S. I went out alone a couple of times by myself very late at night. I would even walk alone in the streets, and nothing has ever happened to me nor to any of my peers.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I will choose the same program because it was beyond my expectations. I really loved my experience overall, and the location also was magical as well.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save a lot prior to your trip: - Go into the different restaurant locations online in Geneva to view the menu and price point to plan ahead - make a list of each activities you would like to do and find out how much it cost. - Save at least 1000 for emergencies (they do come) I was not prepared money wise and that really affected the way I enjoyed my program as I was constantly stressing about money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I was already fluent.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? - Speak with your host family constantly even if you make mistake - Go to places where you will be challenged to speak the language as well.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The administration and the academics
  • The transportation system and not having to pay for it
  • The constant reminder of our social responsibility in society.
* What could be improved?
  • Transparency from the start about not leaving in Geneva (the city itself and how that may affect transportation from the start)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save, save, save, save

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.